News
Hearts for Haiti is Big Success
As Valentine's Day 2010 approached, Carol Stephens was drawn into a group wanting to help the unfortunate victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The following letter, in the aftermath of this event, tells the story:
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Editor, Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Peterborough, NH
Dear Heather,
What started as one mom's compassion for the plight of another, ended with the people of this area sending over $4000 to “Save the Children” and ”Doctors without Borders,” to help Haiti to recover from the devastating earthquake last month.
Jacqueline Goohs, owner of The Magic Flute, tells the story of a child who was trapped under the rubble, begging her mom not to let her die. The mother, of course, promised her she would be fine. But sadly, even though the volunteers were able to pull this young child out and get her to the hospital, they still couldn't save her. There simply were not enough medical supplies to meet the overwhelming need. A flood of tears flowed from the child's mother in Haiti, reaching all the way to Peterborough, where Jacqueline, watching with her own two children, Allan and Claire, knew it was up to her to do something to help.
I was at the January PMMA meeting of local retailers - it was an extraordinary time of caring. Everybody wanted to help. Jacqueline offered up her concept of a Hearts for Haiti campaign. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it was a great time to ask the community to donate to the cause - each donation being displayed as a Red Heart in a participating merchant's window. ”I can see hearts all over town. I know my customers will donate,” said Jacqueline. “So will mine!,” others chimed in. I offered to make a few calls, such as to Sim's Press to see if they could help out by printing hearts. They did. Jim Therreault, Peterboro Basket, offered to help Camellia Sousa, Sharon Arts, Allan Goohs, and me to spread the word, pass out the hearts ... and collect all the checks. The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Ledger-Transcript were quick to join in and respond.
For all of us involved in Hearts for Haiti, we would like to thank the store patrons, friends, and employees, for their generous donations, which made it possible for us to write two checks. 100% of the proceeds - $4007.53 - has been divided and sent to the two great organizations who are always there when you need them.
Bravo to everyone who donated and to the following thirty-two participating businesses.
1. Acqua Bistro Restaurant
2. Annie's Book Stop
3. At Wits End
4. Ava Marie's Handmade Chocolates and Ice Cream
5. bowerbird & friends
6. Cantine Restaurant
7. CC Stephens & Co.
8. Cook's Complements
9. Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
10. Green Angel Cottage
11. Jack Daniels Motor Inn
12. James Thomas Hair Salon
13. Joseph's Coat
14. Little Roy's
15. Maggie's Marketplace
16. Mariposa Museum
17. Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
18. Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar
19. Peterboro Basket Factory Outlet
20. Peterborough Art Academy & Gallery
21. Peterborough Shoe Store
22. Rebecca's Consignments
23. Red Chair Antiques
24. Roy's Market
25. Sharon Arts Downtown Galleries
26. Sim's Press
27. Steele's Stationers
28. The Black Swan
29. The Magic Flute Toys & Children's Clothing
30. The Toadstool Bookshop
31. Tribals, Rugs by Hand
32. Van Campen's Museum Quality Furniture & Lighting
Thank you all.
-for the Hearts for Haiti Committee
Carol Stephens
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This Article was published on 15 Feb 2010. For more information, please contact
Carol Stephens